Ethics and Palliation in Head and Neck Surgery.

ABSTRACT

Head and neck cancer is a potentially traumatizing disease with the potential to impact many of the functions which are core to human life eating, drinking, breathing, and speaking. Patients with head and neck cancer are disproportionately impacted by socioeconomic challenges, social stigma, and difficult decisions about treatment approaches. Herein, the authors review foundational ethical principles and frameworks to guide care of these patients. The authors discuss specific challenges including shared decision-making and advance care planning. The authors further discuss palliative care with a discussion of the role of surgery as a component of palliation.